The Daily Valet. - 3/31/20, Tuesday
✔️ Some Good News for a Change
Tuesday, March 31st Edition
I’ll take any good news I can get these days.
Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Today's edition is presented by
Today’s Big Story
Companies Rush to Produce Essential Gear
A wide range of American brands are pitching in to help
Even before we reach the peak in US infections, protective gear like respirators, face shields and gowns are already scarce. All projections show that the coming surge of severe cases that require mechanical ventilators to keep patients breathing could far outstrip stocks of the complex machines, reports Fast Company.
The COVID-19 crisis demands stockpiles of supplies that simply no longer exist in an era of lean manufacturing. This outbreak requires local production of essential goods in an era of global markets. Thankfully, American companies are stepping up to the challenge.
New Balance is producing a unique prototype face mask at its Lawrence Massachusetts factory, while menswear brands Brooks Brothers, Buck Mason and American Giant are all pausing their standard production to produce medical-grade masks and gowns in their factories. The White House worked to fast-track FDA approval of some of the masks so that they carry the authority of a medically certified design that can be used in hospitals. “We didn’t want to be in the business of making stuff that’s not certified,” says Bayard Winthrop, CEO and founder of American Giant.
On the ventilator front, automakers GM and Ford are both hustling to turn out the machines in record time so no patient has to go without one when needed. GM has more than 1,000 employees and nearly 100 suppliers tackling the task.
Meanwhile, brands like Huckberry, Merrel and Crocs are offering complimentary footwear and other essentials to keep those on the front lines comfortable and protected.
It’s heartening to see the country spring into action to fight this. But it’s also a grim reminder that we were vastly unprepared for an outbreak of this magnitude.
↦ FYI: In Britain, Dyson (the firm best known for vacuums) designed a new ventilator and is currently making more than 15,000 for use in the United Kingdom.
Self-Quarantines Are Getting Serious
Here’s where you could be arrested or fined for violating lockdowns
Violating quarantine and social distancing rules won’t just put you at risk for the coronavirus—it could also land you in jail or facing a hefty fine, depending on where you live, reports Vice.
In New Orleans, an arrest warrant was issued over the weekend for the organizer of a funeral reception with a band. A man in Maryland was charged over the weekend for hosting a large bonfire while a Florida pastor was arrested for holding church services despite a stay-at-home order.
And according to the New York Post, residents of New York could now face fines up to $500 for refusing to practice social distancing as the city fights the onslaught of new infections.
“You’ve been warned and warned and warned again,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “If anyone doesn’t listen, then they deserve a fine at this point.” Honestly, I agree with him. I do my best to keep a safe distance while walking my dog. If someone mindlessly strolls down the middle of the sidewalk, I say let 'em have it.
↦ Go Deeper: The social-distancing culture war has begun.
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Justice Department Investigates Senators
The FBI is looking into possibel insider trading
The FBI has reached out to North Carolina Republican Senator Richard Burr about his sale of stocks before the coronavirus caused markets to plummet, a person familiar with the matter to the Associated Press Monday.
Burr—who sits on two committees that received detailed briefings on the growing epidemic—sold shares of companies worth as much as $1.7 million just before the market began to nosedive and government health officials began to sound alarms about the virus. That saved him at least $250,000 in losses, according to the Wall Street Journal.
But he wasn't the only one. Other senators who were actively trading before the spreading coronavirus caused the markets to fall were Republicans Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue of Georgia, and James Inhofe of Oklahoma, the Journal previously reported.
Interestingly, Congress only banned members from trading stocks based on information they pick up in the halls of Capitol Hill in 2012. Before that, it was okay?
John Krasinski Has Some Good News
He just launched a feel good YouTube channel
Celebrities stuck in lockdown are bored and looking for creative outlets just like the rest of us. Some are better at it than others. Like the always affable John Krasinski, who just posted the first edition of his new ‘Some Good News’ YouTube series.
Recording in front of a homemade “SGN” sign from his home office, he chatted with debut guest and former cast-mate Steve Carell and explained he was attempting to inject some positivity into the news cycle.
And we could use it, right? After all, the current news landscape is as punishing for you as it is for us who gather the stories.
According to The Verge, it's unclear how often Krasinski will vlog, but he ends the first episode teasing that new episodes will be uploaded to the channel. The only thing missing is the requisite sign-off asking people to like and subscribe.
↦ FYI: Krasinski and wife Emily Blunt’s thriller A Quiet Place Part II had to be delayed due to the pandemic.
In Other News
Other Things We’re Talking About Today
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Special Promotion
Listening to: Blamo!
The discerning man’s podcast
We've long been fans of Jeremy Kirkland's podcast, Blamo!, which features casual, insightful chats with some very impressive personalities from across the worlds of fashion and culture.
A natural conversationist, I've always appreciated how Kirkland gets these big shots to let their guard down and talk freely—about the way they work, the path that led them to such storied careers and what they'd still like to achieve.
Of course, there's also plenty of funny banter and talk about what's cool or in fashion, the brands that are making waves along with the people we should be paying attention to—in short, you always finish an episode feeling a little bit more “in the know.”
↦ Start Listening: Check out the latest pod, featuring culture writer Naomi Frye, or browse the entire back catalog.
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Morning Motto
Focus your energy on the right stuff.
↦ Follow: @imranamed
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